There have been several times that I have gone to the doctor with this very same thing. Each time to be diagnosed with Contact Dermatitis. I think thats just a word they use when someone on your derma isn't right, and they haven't got a clue. I've been given a cream and usually advised to take some Benadril to get it out. To this day I have no clue what I did to get this. The doctors that I visited often asked me if I had switched laundry detergents or were exposed to chemical of any sort that were out of the ordinary. Something my mother used to have me do is take a bath with epsom salts to help relieve itching. You may have to do this a few times and try not to make the water too hot. You may irritate your already irritated skin. Also, a hydrocortisone cream from over the counter should help. I don't envy you at this point, so I really hope you are feeling better soon! Oh yeah, try not to itch, but I think we all know this by now. :)~Tammy~

"Challenges make you discover things about yourself you never really knew."

I was dealing with rash issues and my rheumy referred me to a dermatologist. My rashes vary. The rash that looks like hives and itches, the dermatologist told me to take Zyrtec. It is now available as an over the counter med.

Instead of epsom salt, I normally use Baking sode or oatmeal in a sock. Work equally well (or not so well on some days).

Since I have a lot of food allergies, I have experienced a lot of hives and itchiness but when I KNOW I didn't eat anything out of sorts and I haven't been rolling in the grass and I still itch like this, it's enough to send me to the loonybin! Now why I didn't think of taking Benadryl anyway is beyond me... stupid-brain again I suppose!

Hopping over (LOL too funny; me hopping... yeah ok!) to the kitchen for some Benadryl

Katie aka Lupus Poopus

Dx: Lupus, Hypothyroidism, Anxiety disorder, Bipolar,

Possibly misdiagnosis: Fibromialgia

Suspected: Sleep Apnea, Carpal Tunnel

No current medication

Quoted from about.com:The majority of lupus patients lead normal lives. The worst adversary comes from within, when the patient loses hope, loses will, and gives in to frustration and depression.